December 14, 2017

PROGRAMS

This week Thursday, our luncheon program will be Ware County High School Basketball coaches. On Monday December 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. our Exchange/Red Cross Blood Drive will be held.
Next week, at 7:00 p.m. our club’s annual Christmas Banquet will be held in our Ellie Royal Room of the Exchange Club Center.
Spouses are invited and all members are to wear red coats.
Following the banquet, next day, Friday, December 22, our club will ring the bells for the Salvation Army at various retail business locations. Some are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and some from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sign up at our meeting today and, if necessary, at the Christmas Banquet next week. Remember, bring you annual Salvation Army donation check!

BLOOD DRIVE NEXT MONDAY

The last blood drive for 2017 is next Monday, December 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. We are one hundred eleven (111) pints short of our goal this year. So, let’s go in and get tested for iron and give a pint, if eligible. Sign up!

MORE WORKERS NEEDED TO WORK FAIR

Our November 30th luncheon meeting brought PresidentElect Chris Tatum and Treasurer Bill Deason for reports on the results of our last Okefenokee Fair, November 7-11. Chris expressed concern over the lack of adequate members working on the Parking Committee. He and another member were the only workers parking cars. Since he is to become next year’s President, Chris said he needs a team and expects members to work out ways to fix the shortage. Ideas for solutions should be routed to him or the board. LET’S TEAM UP!
Of course, we are a volunteer organization serving the needs of the community. However, each member is invited to join.
Our four National major services are 1.) Community Service, 2.) American Citizenship, 3.) Service to youth, and 4.) Prevention of Child Abuse. A few committees under each of these services work to support and sponsor success in meeting their goals. Monies to support our service donations comes primarily from Fair proceeds coming from attendance and the midway. See National Exchange Across America logo.

In response to a question, Treasurer Bill Deason presented a general list of the sources of money and expenses needed to put on the Fair. A budget is prepared each year based upon the results of the Fair. Club officials attend the Georgia Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention each year to receive club awards, meet with the workshops on fair improvements and to look at Fair Midways and shows to possibly come to our Fair.
Exchange Club news reported were:
1.) George Steed approved for membership by the Board,
2.) New ticket booth placed in front with cement pavement ending to the Exhibit Building,
3.) A new FFA Building is being built with $1.5 million E’SPLOST funds on school property.

WARE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS FFA
“on campus forest’ project”

Chris Tatum, December Programs Chairman introduced Danny Bartlett, Ware County High School Agriculture teacher who explained the school’s “on-campus Forest” Project. An unused 50-60 acre parcel of land on the school’s campus was selected for construction of a “school forest” to educate students about forestry. Eric Hickox was selected to spearhead a $1.5 million livestock building financed by E-SPLOST. Mr. Bartlett is responsible for managing the school’s FFA organization.
According to Bartlett, Georgia is the third largest FFA east of the Mississippi and that the National FFA is 100 years old.
Bartlett was hired in 1984 under the 1917 Smith Hughes Act, formerly Vocational Education Act. The first FFA was started in Virginia.
The goals of the Ware County FFA is to make an FFA show case and crown jewel in forestry. Kids in urban areas will be helped in livestock judging and understand why be in FFA and learn to be an Ag teacher. Three FFA members spoke; Secretary, Jordan O’Berry; Reporter, Mackenzie Grantham; and Logan Shubert, Junior Representative who is competing in Agriculture Mechanics. Great Program!

Unity for Service

Our Motto - Unity for Service
The motto was adopted in 1917.
Its originator, Charles Berkey,
said the motto was inspired
by the 133rd Psalm, which says
“Behold how good and pleasant
it is for brethren to dwell
together in unity.”

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